FAQs

What is chiropractic care, and how does it work?

Chiropractic care is a natural, evidence-based healthcare approach focused on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall body function. When joints in the spine or extremities become misaligned or restricted — a condition called a subluxation — they interfere with normal nerve communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Chiropractic adjustments correct these misalignments, restore proper joint motion, relieve nerve pressure, and allow the body to heal from within. At Ghent Chiropractic, care goes beyond spinal adjustments to include soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercise, and recovery modalities for a comprehensive approach to health.

Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of conservative healthcare available. Dr. Clayton conducts a thorough consultation, examination, and health history review before beginning any treatment to ensure that care is appropriate for each individual patient. Serious adverse events from chiropractic adjustments are extremely rare, and the risk profile of chiropractic care compares very favorably to pain medications and surgical interventions for the same conditions.

What conditions does chiropractic treat?

Chiropractic care is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, mid-back pain, headaches and migraines, sciatica, disc disorders, sports injuries, auto accident injuries, joint pain in the shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and postural dysfunction. Dr. Clayton also provides specialized care for pregnant women, infants, and children, as well as performance optimization for athletes through sports chiropractic.

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

Most patients find chiropractic adjustments comfortable — and many experience immediate relief following treatment. A popping or cracking sound may accompany some adjustments, which is simply gas releasing from the joint capsule and is completely harmless. Some mild soreness may occur for 24 to 48 hours after the first few visits as the body adapts to restored movement, but this is temporary and typically resolves quickly.

How many visits will I need?

The number of visits depends on the nature, severity, and duration of your condition, as well as your individual response to care. Acute conditions often resolve within a few weeks of consistent treatment, while chronic or complex conditions may require a longer care plan. Dr. Clayton will outline a realistic, individualized treatment plan with clear goals and milestones during your Report of Findings appointment — and he will never recommend more care than your condition clinically warrants.

Will I need to come forever?

Not unless you choose to. Most patients complete an active care plan for their presenting condition and then transition to optional periodic wellness visits to maintain their results and support long-term spinal health. Wellness care is entirely elective — many patients choose it because of the sustained benefits they experience, but it is never required.

Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?

Yes, in most cases. Chiropractic adjustments are covered by the majority of health insurance plans, including many PPO, HMO, Medicare, and workers’ compensation plans. Coverage for specialized services such as Active Release Techniques and NormaTec therapy varies by plan. Our team will verify your benefits before your visit so you have a clear picture of your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs. Call us at (757) 622-1222 and we will look into your benefits ahead of time.

What should I expect at my first visit?

Your first visit at Ghent Chiropractic is reserved as a dedicated new patient appointment so Dr. Clayton has adequate time to give you a thorough evaluation. It will include a detailed health history consultation, a comprehensive orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination, and X-rays if clinically indicated. At the conclusion of your initial visit, you will schedule a Report of Findings appointment where Dr. Clayton will review all results, answer your questions, explain your care plan, and begin your first treatment. Learn more on our What to Expect page.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Clayton?

No referral is needed. Chiropractic is a primary care profession, meaning you can contact Ghent Chiropractic directly to schedule your appointment without going through another provider first. Simply call us at (757) 622-1222 or request an appointment online.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, and any relevant imaging such as X-rays or MRI reports. You can also download and complete your patient intake forms in advance to save time at the office. If you were in a car accident, bring any accident report or insurance claim information as well.

How long does a typical appointment take?

Your initial visit is longer — plan for approximately 45 to 60 minutes to allow time for a complete consultation and examination. Your Report of Findings appointment is also a longer dedicated visit. Regular office visits typically take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on which treatments are being performed that day.

What are your office hours?

Ghent Chiropractic is open Monday and Wednesday from 1:00pm to 7:00pm, and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30am to 1:30pm. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Call us at (757) 622-1222 to schedule your appointment or ask about current availability.

What is Active Release Techniques (ART)?

Active Release Techniques is a patented, movement-based soft tissue therapy system used to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Dr. Clayton is a full-body certified ART provider, meaning he is trained in over 500 specific treatment protocols covering every major region of the body. ART is highly effective for conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, IT band syndrome, and many other soft tissue disorders. Learn more about Active Release Techniques at Ghent Chiropractic.

What is FAKTR?

FAKTR stands for Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab. It is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) technique that treats fascial restrictions and soft tissue disorders while the patient is actively moving through functional ranges of motion. By treating during movement — in the exact positions and patterns where symptoms occur — FAKTR delivers targeted results that passive therapies cannot match. It is particularly effective for athletes and patients recovering from overuse injuries and auto accident trauma. Learn more about FAKTR at Ghent Chiropractic.

Do you treat children and pregnant women?

Yes. Dr. Clayton is a fellow of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), giving him specialized postgraduate training in the safe, gentle care of infants, children, and expectant mothers. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can relieve back and pelvic pain, support proper pelvic alignment, and prepare the body for delivery. Pediatric adjustments use extremely light pressure appropriate for developing spines and are safe for patients from birth onward. Learn more about our pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic care.

What is NormaTec compression therapy?

NormaTec uses patented dynamic air compression technology to accelerate muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, decrease soreness, and improve circulation. The system inflates in a sequential, pulsing pattern that mimics the body’s natural muscle contractions to flush metabolic waste from the limbs and promote fresh blood flow. It is used by 97% of professional sports teams worldwide and is available at Ghent Chiropractic in 30 or 60 minute sessions. Learn more about NormaTec at Ghent Chiropractic.

Can you help after a car accident?

Yes — and you should call us as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel fine. Many auto accident injuries, including whiplash, do not produce noticeable pain until 24 to 72 hours or more after the collision. Dr. Clayton is trained to identify and treat the full spectrum of auto accident injuries, and he provides thorough documentation for insurance claims and personal injury cases. In many cases, treatment is covered by your PIP insurance or the at-fault driver’s liability policy at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Learn more about auto accident care at Ghent Chiropractic.

Does Dr. Clayton provide nutritional guidance?

Yes. Nutrition is one of the five foundational pillars of health at Ghent Chiropractic — alongside rest, exercise, a positive mental attitude, and a nervous system free of interference. Dr. Clayton offers nutritional consultation for both athletes seeking performance advantages and non-athletes looking to support their overall health and recovery. Nutritional guidance is integrated into your overall care plan where appropriate.